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TANNA, Germany – It is safe to charge a pedelec with an IEC plug, you would think. Unfortunately with an e-Bike things can go wrong. At least if a “normal” power cord, as we know it from computers and other household appliances, can accidentally be switched with the battery charging cable. Why?

The problem is in the identical plug. The IEC (International Electro technical Commission) connectors are also known as “kettle lead”, or “IBM plug”. Commercial household cables are designed for much higher voltages than charging cables for electric bikes. Therefore, confusing the cables can cause danger and damage electric bikes. This is a hot topic with many manufacturers and importers getting cold feet now.

IEC plugs are very common for e-bikes in China. This, however, does not mean that they are legal in Europe. Nevertheless, there are estimated eighty to about one hundred pedelec and e-bike models sold in Europe which use such power plugs! And although the German dealer cooperative ZEG recently recalled 4 Pegasus models to change the plugs, Carrefour, in France, is bringing just this kind of product on the market.

ExtraEnergy has announced to take further steps for the protection of consumers. In Europe it is expected that around 100,000 electric bikes will need to be recalled.

A full report on the legal fundamentals, equipment and product safety act and the ExtraEnergy action plan will be published in the February issue of Bike Europe.

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